By The PPH Foundation

Postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal death in Kenya, yet it is also one of the most preventable. Building awareness and strengthening advocacy at the community level have become some of the most effective ways to ensure women receive timely care. When communities understand the signs of PPH, the importance of skilled birth attendance and the need for immediate referral, families are better prepared to act quickly and save lives.

According to Prof Moses Obimbo, Project Lead at the End PPH Initiative, a project at the PPH Foundation in collaboration with the University of Nairobi, Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society and the Midwives Association of Kenya, community engagement is the missing link between medical interventions and real change on the ground. He notes that when women, spouses and local leaders are empowered with accurate information, delays in recognising danger signs reduce significantly. This knowledge helps families prepare for birth, arrange transport early and seek help without hesitation, which is critical in the first minutes of excessive bleeding.

Grassroots health volunteers have also become powerful advocates in spreading lifesaving messages. They share information during household visits, women’s group meetings and local barazas, turning everyday conversations into opportunities for learning. Dr Eunice Atsali, a Co-Lead at the End PPH Initiative explains that these interactions reshape community attitudes, helping families understand that PPH is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, not a condition to manage at home.

Media engagement, local champions and community influencers have further strengthened advocacy efforts. Radio programmes, social media campaigns and church announcements now play a major role in amplifying the message of early action. These platforms help normalise conversations around maternal health, breaking the silence that has long allowed preventable deaths to continue. Prof Ann Kihara, a Co-Lead at the End PPH Initiative, emphasises that sustained awareness builds trust and encourages families to seek facility-based deliveries where skilled teams and lifesaving technology are available.

Community advocacy also ensures accountability. When communities understand their rights to quality maternal care, they are more likely to demand respectful treatment, timely services and safer environments for mothers. This collective voice pushes leaders, health facilities and county governments to prioritize maternal health investments that directly reduce PPH deaths.

As awareness grows, so does the confidence of families to make informed decisions during childbirth. When communities are truly engaged, the message of saving mothers becomes a shared responsibility. Through sustained advocacy, strong partnerships and continuous dialogue, Kenya can build a future where no mother dies from a condition that can be prevented, recognized early and treated promptly.

Sources

• World Health Organization, “WHO Recommendations for the Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Haemorrhage” (2023)
• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), “Maternal Health and Emergency Obstetric Care Reports” (2024)
• PPH Foundation / End PPH Initiative community engagement records (2025)
• Kenya Health Information System, national data on maternal emergencies (2024)
• Global Maternal Health Advocacy Network, community awareness and maternal mortality prevention brief (2023)